From the outside looking in, it feels like there’s a unity at Chelsea right now that’s not existed in the last couple of years.
The Chelsea owners are finally somewhat vindicated in how they’ve gone about assembling this current squad, which is filled with so many exciting youngsters that are gelling on the pitch. It helps that Enzo Maresca has made a positive start as the Blues manager since his summer arrival, too.
Malo Gusto, 21, has been one of several Blues players to impress in the opening months of the season. The French full-back has started nine of the team’s opening 11 Premier League games, showing he’s capable of playing right-back or left-back with ease.
Maresca claims Chelsea defender Gusto has been “fantastic” under him. He plays such a vital and unique role with the way he advances into No.10 positions in possession, despite being a full-back on the teamsheet.
Malo Gusto discusses brilliant relationship with Chelsea captain Reece James
Gusto has shared that he’s got a fantastic connection with Chelsea captain and full-back Reece James.
Many will see the duo as rivals for the same starting position at right-back, but it’s great to hear there’s a unity between teammates.
Gusto said via Chelsea’s official website: “Reece and I have a great relationship between us. As you’ve seen in the last few games, we have both played. So it’s not like it’s either him or me [that starts]. We try to push ourselves, do our best and help the team as much as we can.”
Chelsea still massively rate 24-year-old defender James, even after all the injury problems he’s had. When he’s fit and firing, there’s no doubt he’s one of the world’s outstanding right-backs.
The Blues are fortunate that they’ve had Gusto to fill the hole in the last year whenever James has been absent. In fact, there may be a discussion now about which of them starts.
Chelsea have interesting dynamic at full-back
Chelsea started with Gusto at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal, which is a combination that worked very well. As for James, he started the weekend game from the bench.
Maresca explained James didn’t start against Arsenal for tactical reasons, and he mentioned the skipper’s work load is being managed after long-term injury issues.
It’s interesting that fans have seen Cucurella, Gusto and James all get minutes at left-back during different parts of the season. However, surely Cucurella is the first pick there to start nine times out of 10.
In reality, Gusto and James should be left to fight it out for one starting position at right-back.
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